As of November 17, 2024, the fishing scene in the Gulf of Mexico around New Orleans is looking promising despite the late cold fronts that have been passing through. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 54 degrees. The winds will be moderate, coming from the north at about 10 mph. Tides are crucial, and today you'll see a high tide at around 10:30 AM and a low tide at 4:30 PM.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 6:34 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM, giving you ample daylight to catch those fish.

### Fish Activity
Fish activity has been good, especially for speckled trout and redfish. These species are starting to show up in good numbers, particularly in the deeper holes and around natural underwater structures like fallen trees and pilings. Bull reds and jacks are also schooling in large numbers, making for exciting catches.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday saw a decent catch of speckled trout, with many anglers reporting good numbers near the mouth of the bayous and in Lake Borgne. Redfish, including some large bull reds, were also plentiful, especially in the marsh areas. Drum and trout were also caught in significant amounts.

### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, using Z-man Trout Tricks in the Fried Chicken color rigged weedless with no weight has been effective. Crankbaits and topwater lures are also working well, especially in the shallow marsh grass. For speckled trout and redfish, market shrimp and plastics like bream, mullet, and crawfish imitations are your best bets. Bobby Garland lures in Glacier color on a 1/16 or 1/32 oz. jig head are also productive for sac-a-lait and other species.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is Pass Manchac, where the deeper holes are filled with trout, redfish, and drum. Another good spot is the area around the Causeway, where the pillings attract a mixed bag of fish. The marsh areas around Venice and Boothville are also teeming with bull reds and jacks.

Overall, it's a great time to be out on the water in the Gulf of Mexico around New Orleans. Just remember to adapt to the changing weather conditions and target those areas with good concentrations of baitfish and current. Happy fishing